Chinese Scientists Achieve Historic Pig Lung Transplant in Human

Chinese researchers have successfully transplanted a genetically engineered pig lung into a human for the first time, marking a significant advancement in the field of xenotransplantation. The procedure took place at Guangzhou Medical University and involved a 39-year-old man, who was declared brain-dead following a brain haemorrhage. This pioneering experiment opens new possibilities for organ transplantation, particularly in addressing the global shortage of human organs.

The pig lung was modified through genetic engineering, specifically altering six genes to eliminate substances that typically provoke an immune response in humans. The modified organ was inserted into the patient’s body, where it “maintained viability and functionality” for a duration of nine days without major rejection or infection. The findings were published in the journal Nature Medicine by the research team, highlighting the potential for future studies to refine techniques in lung xenotransplantation.

Significance of the Breakthrough

This achievement is particularly noteworthy as previous xenotransplantation efforts have focused on organs such as hearts, livers, and kidneys, while lungs pose unique challenges due to their delicate physiological balance. Beatriz Dominguez-Gil, director of the National Transplant Organisation in Spain, emphasized the importance of this study, stating, “This study marks a milestone in translational medicine: for the first time, a genetically modified pig lung has been implanted in a brain-dead human being.” She further noted that the lung’s exposure to ambient air and high blood flow makes it especially vulnerable, thus highlighting the significance of this successful transplantation.

The initiative comes at a critical time, as approximately 150 patients in the UK alone die each year while waiting for lung transplants. The ongoing shortage of suitable organs is exacerbated by the fact that about 80% of donated organs are not viable for transplantation due to rapid degradation post-mortem or damage from illness and lifestyle factors.

Advancements in Xenotransplantation

Pigs are considered ideal candidates for organ donation due to their physiological similarities to humans, rapid growth, and large litters. The development of the gene-editing tool Crispr has revitalized research in xenotransplantation, allowing for precise modifications to pig organs. In March 2023, researchers from the Fourth Military Medical University in Xi’an successfully implanted a genetically modified pig liver, which survived for ten days in a brain-dead patient.

While the recent advancements are promising, experts urge caution. Professor Ivan Fernandez Vega, coordinator of the Organoids hub at the ISCIII Biobanks and Biomodels platform, acknowledged the progress in xenotransplantation but stressed the need for careful interpretation of the results. He noted, “This is a single case, which limits the generalization of the results and requires caution until they are replicated in further studies.”

The study’s short follow-up period of only nine days also raises questions about the long-term viability of the transplanted organ and the potential for complications such as chronic rejection or late-onset infections. Understanding these aspects will be crucial for advancing the field towards clinical applications involving living patients.

As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of xenotransplantation, this landmark procedure offers a glimmer of hope for tackling the critical shortage of organs and improving outcomes for patients in need. The journey toward effective and safe xenotransplantation is just beginning, but this first step lays the groundwork for future innovations in organ transplantation.